Get ready for an exciting twist in your winter holiday plans! Hot and happening destinations like Thailand, Sri Lanka, and Malaysia are now visa-free for Indian travelers, making them super accessible. However, this newfound accessibility has led to a surprising consequence – soaring airfares.

The winter magic is not just limited to nearby places. International airlines (excluding the US) are back in full swing with their India connections, and Indian carriers have jumped on the bandwagon, adding more flights to far-off European and North American destinations. The result? Delhi to Phuket, a favorite winter escape, will set you back Rs 50,000 for an economy return, a significant hike from the usual Rs 30,000 just a few months back. However, there’s a silver lining – Delhi to London starts at Rs 70,000, a drop from the steep Rs 90-95,000 this past summer.

✈️ Pack your bags and get ready for an adventure! 5 incredible destinations are offering FREE visa entry to Indians in 2024. pic.twitter.com/F1ZApNutid

— Prerna Tours And Travels (@PrernaTravels) December 8, 2023

Comparing this year to the last, there’s a noticeable shift. International airlines are now fully operational for routes like Delhi to Dubai, Saudi, and London, leading to a 20-25% reduction in airfares for these sectors. But hold on – if you’re eyeing the tropical vibes of Southeast Asia, be prepared to shell out more. Airfares for destinations like Vietnam, Thailand, and Malaysia have more than doubled compared to last year.

A spokesperson from travel portal Yatra sheds light on the situation. “There’s a serious demand for both domestic and international destinations this winter, but Southeast Asia is stealing the spotlight.” The reason? Visa-free travel is a game-changer. Thai e-visas, for instance, used to cost around Rs 7,500, a significant expense for a family of four. But with that hurdle gone, and with hotels becoming more affordable, visa-free destinations are all the rage. No wonder Malaysian Airlines’ recent sale had takers galore!

Thailand’s Tourism Authority director reveals the impact. After Thailand rolled out visa exemption for all Indian passport holders in November 2023, the second half of November saw a nearly double increase in Indian tourist arrivals compared to the first half. The trend isn’t limited to Thailand – destinations with visa-on-arrival or quick visa processes, including Indonesia, Vietnam, Malaysia, Dubai, and Abu Dhabi, are experiencing a 30-40% surge in demand.

Indonesia to allow visa free entry to Indians and other nationalities

The government is proposing to add 20 countries to the list, including China and Indiahttps://t.co/05GmWX6HOs

— Gulf News (@gulf_news) December 8, 2023

Wedding bells are ringing, and so are travel plans. The ongoing wedding season has added to the travel frenzy, causing a spike in hotel charges and airfares. Hotels in India report strong bookings from mid-December onward for about a month, leading to a 20-25% increase in room tariffs due to bulk bookings. Yatra Online’s senior VP, Bharatt Malik, confirms the surge, stating, “Hotel bookings for the holiday season have doubled, and airfares surge by 40-50% closer to travel dates.”

MakeMyTrip’s CEO Rajesh Magow weighs in on the trend. “There’s a promising trend for both domestic and international travel. Travelers are opting for average 6-day vacations, and destinations like Goa, Rajasthan, Varanasi, and others are in high demand for the last week of December. Despite a typical 10% increase in fares, there’s an increase in the number of room nights booked compared to last year.”

On the international front, some favorites remain, while new stars emerge. Traditional hotspots like Thailand, Dubai, Singapore, and Bali continue to attract travelers, but destinations like Hong Kong, Vietnam, and Istanbul are gaining popularity. Notably, there’s a rising preference for premium accommodations and higher room categories.

Let’s not forget the domestic front. After a post-Diwali pickup, domestic travel is back in action. From a daily air traveler count often falling below 4 lakh, the figure now hovers around 4.5 lakh.

In a nutshell, visa-free access has turned the travel game on its head, making nearby gems pricier while unlocking budget-friendly adventures to distant lands. Whether you’re dreaming of a tropical Southeast Asian escape or a charming winter wedding in India, this season has it all. So, buckle up for a winter full of surprises and unforgettable journeys!